X Factor’s Dermot O’Leary praises ‘ready for war’ judge Gary Barlow

X Factor host
Dermot O’Leary has revealed that he is a big fan of
Gary Barlow’s tough talk on the ITV1 show, saying it is ‘great when Barlow gets stuck in’.

Gary Barlow did not hold back his opinions on the X Factor finalists. (Picture: ITV)

Barlow made a series of damning remarks about some of the X Factor hopefuls during the first round of live shows on Saturday night, saying Johnny Robinson’s performance was ‘too cheap’ and telling Jonjo Kerr that he ‘stuck out like a sore thumb’.

Long-serving X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary defended the new head judge however, saying that he likes the fact that Barlow is controversial and speaks his mind.

He told the Xtra Factor: ‘He was [tough] but I think in a good way.

‘Just purely from a presenter’s point of view, there’s nothing worse in the world than when everyone agrees.’

He added: ‘It’s great when Barlow gets stuck in. I saw him earlier and said, ‘How are you feeling?’ and he said, ‘Ready for war’.’

Dermot O’Leary returns to The X Factor for an eighth series. (Picture: ITV)

Barlow defended his comments about Kerr’s performance, saying that it his job to be ‘honest’ in the show.